BANGKOK, Thailand – Cabinet Ministers visited several provinces in Southern Thailand to oversee security, infrastructure, economic development, and public welfare projects ahead of the Mobile Cabinet Meeting on February 18. The visits covered a wide range of issues, from border security and environmental concerns to healthcare, tourism, and industrial growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai held a security briefing at Provincial Police Region 9 Headquarters in Hat Yai, Songkhla. The National Security Council is finalizing an updated strategy to address security challenges in the three southern border provinces, with a comprehensive plan expected within two weeks. Phumtham instructed military, police, and administrative agencies to work together under the Royal Philosophy of “Understanding, Access, and Development” to strengthen community trust while maintaining law enforcement operations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led inspections on air pollution and wildfire response training at Hat Yai Municipality Office. He reviewed firefighting and pollution control equipment used to combat smog and PM2.5. Officials were directed to enforce environmental regulations while also working with farmers to reduce open burning. In Na Thawi district, Anutin monitored flood prevention and water management projects. Compensation has already been distributed to most affected households following last year’s floods, with additional efforts planned, including canal dredging, drainage system expansions, and the construction of reservoirs and water retention basins to ensure water availability during droughts. By the end of 2025, all Na Thawi residents are expected to have access to free drinking water under the Mini Station Clean Drinking Water Project.
In the logistics sector, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chandraruangthong visited the Hat Yai Postal Center, where he received reports on transport capacity and the need for additional vehicles, particularly for handling agricultural shipments. He also ordered stricter inspections of parcels to prevent illegal shipments, including satellite communication devices such as Starlink, which have been linked to call center scams.
Transport infrastructure was a key focus of discussions led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Alongside Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri, Suriya reviewed ongoing and planned projects, including the Hat Yai Bypass, the Hat Yai–Malaysia Border Expressway, and the Songkhla Lake Bridge. Progress updates were also provided on railway expansion, dredging of key coastal shipping channels, and the Hat Yai Airport master plan, all intended to improve trade and tourism connectivity between Thailand and its neighboring countries.
Economic development was addressed in a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Pirapan Salirathavibhaga at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya. Provincial governors and business leaders presented 56 proposals focused on infrastructure improvements, including deep-sea port development. Pirapan discussed the potential for Thailand to become a regional oil storage hub, reducing reliance on transshipment through Singapore and increasing economic opportunities for the region.
In the healthcare sector, Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin met with medical professionals at Prince of Songkla University’s Faculty of Medicine to assess progress on the integration of digital health records. More than 10,400 medical facilities nationwide have adopted digital platforms, including “Mor Prom,” “MOPH Refer,” and “Imaging HUB,” which streamline medical data management and improve patient care. Somsak also launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for fifth-grade female students in Pattani, with mobile vaccination units deployed across 14 provinces in the south to ensure broad coverage.
Legal and financial issues were also addressed during the visits. Minister of Justice Pol Col Thavee Sodsong hosted a debt mediation event in Songkhla, assisting 4,200 individuals with student loan renegotiations totaling over 2 billion baht. He later visited Songkhla Central Prison to launch a new family visitation program and ensure eligible inmates received state welfare benefits.
Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa visited Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces to oversee economic empowerment programs. He reviewed self-sufficiency projects in Khuan Khanun district, including cattle distribution, coconut processing, and traditional weaving workshops aimed at preserving local craftsmanship while generating income. In Songkhla, he assessed social welfare programs at children’s homes and family welfare centers.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on met with religious leaders in Pattani to address long-standing concerns over contaminated water affecting Islamic ablution practices. The Department of Groundwater Resources has been tasked with drilling new wells and installing filtration systems to ensure clean water access for daily and religious use.
In Songkhla Old Town, Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsupakijkosol reviewed efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the historic district. The site was added to Thailand’s Tentative List in 2023, and a comprehensive heritage management plan is being finalized. Sudawan also assessed Songkhla’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, recognizing its diverse culinary heritage shaped by Buddhist, Muslim, and Chinese influences.
Minister of Industry Akanat Promphan visited Surat Thani and Songkhla to evaluate community enterprises, including basket-weaving cooperatives and food processing plants. The government is promoting regional industries to strengthen employment, increase local income, and support Thailand’s Soft Power initiatives.
At the Songkhla Deep-Sea Port, Deputy Minister of Finance Paopoom Rojanasakul reviewed infrastructure upgrades and logistical improvements. Challenges such as a lack of cranes and shallow shipping lanes were identified as barriers to increasing cargo capacity. The government is set to sign an agreement for crane installation, which is expected to improve efficiency and expand export potential.
The Mobile Cabinet Meeting, taking place today (Feb 18), is expected to build on these discussions, with ministers reviewing proposals and assessing progress on regional development projects to strengthen security, economic growth, public services, and infrastructure in Southern Thailand. (NNT)
